"Although Graeme's decision to retire from all forms of international cricket comes as a surprise to all of us, we must respect him for deciding to call time," he said.

"Knowing him as well as I do, having been instrumental as a selector in appointing him as a young captain, he would not have taken this decision lightly or without a great deal of thought.

"He has captained the Proteas for more than a decade and he will draw a lot more satisfaction from the fact that he leaves our Test team at the top of the world and in such good health rather than from all the personal records he has achieved as the longest-serving captain the game has ever seen in the demanding Test format. He also led South Africa to the World Cup semi-final in 2007.

Graeme Smith's appearances, team-by-team

Tests: 117 (116 for South Africa, 1 for ICC World XI)*ODIs: 197 (196 for South Africa, 1 for African XI)T20Is: 33 (all for South Africa)

TOTAL: 347 internationals (345 for South Africa)

First-class matches: 160 (116 for South Africa, 17 for Western Province, 8 for South Africans, 6 for South Africa 'A', 4 for Somerset, 3 for Surrey & Western Province Board, 1 each for Cape Cobras, ICC World XI, & United Cricket Board of Africa Invitation XI)*

One-day games: 259 (196 for South Africa, 31 for Western Province, 9 for Cape Cobras, 6 for South Africans, 5 for Somerset, 4 for South Africa 'A', 3 for Gauteng, 2 for Board President's XI, 1 each for African XI, Hampshire Cricket Board & Surrey)

"I would like us to remember Graeme for his nerves of steel and his match-winning performances that were synonymous with some of the most remarkable fourth innings victory chases of all time.

"These included setting up the 414 runs chase against Australia at Perth and his series-clinching innings at Edgbaston in 2008, not to mention the unbeaten century the last time he faced Australia at Sahara Park Newlands in 2011.

"His role in setting up the famous 438 win over Australia in 2006 was also a performance never to be forgotten.

"He can leave the game with pride and he thoroughly deserves the gratitude of our nation for leading the Proteas with much distinction.

"From a personal point of view I am thrilled that I was part of the panel that appointed him captain in 2003 when his first major assignment was a tough tour to England and I feel privileged to see him now move on to the next stage of his career.

"He has been a mighty warrior, a leader of men and an exceptional part of our international cricket."

"Following the recent retirement of Jacques Kallis from Test cricket, there is no doubt that we are now ready to move into a new era and it is our job to build on the solid foundations that these great players leave behind."

"Smith made his first-class debut for South Africa at the age of 21, and ends his illustrious career with 17 228 International runs and as the most capped Test captain in the history of the game."

Clockwise, from left: Smith hits out during the 2007 World Cup, celebrating reaching number one in the world again in 2012, beating England in 2012, during his innings of 259 at Lord's in 2003, beating Australia in 'that' ODI in 2006, dismissed while leading the ICC World XI, celebrating his century at Edgbaston in 2003, and with Morne Morkel.